Aaron Tucker
Audio Caption Head
Aaron Tucker is a percussion educator, designer, and audio specialist living in Plano, Texas. He studied Percussion with an emphasis in Jazz Performance at East Carolina University. He has had the honor of learning from some world class educators, including Jonathon Wacker, Bill Bachman, Tom Hurst, John Campese, Kevin Shah, Wayne Viar, and Will Goodyear. He has performed all over the country with ensembles ranging from drum corps, to early jazz bands, and has had the opportunity to perform in Lincoln Center, and record for Sesame Street.
Throughout his career, Aaron has worked in various capacities with percussion ensembles such as Palmetto Percussion, and drum corps such as Spirit of Atlanta , Blue Knights, Madison Scouts, and the Academy. In 2018, Aaron helped to guide Carolina Gold Drum and Bugle Corps to a DCA class A world championship and high percussion award. He is also the founder and former director of Alchemy Independent Percussion Ensemble. Aaron maintains a studio of private percussion students, and consults and designs for music programs all over the country. He has had the pleasure of working with BOA Grand National semi-finalists, DCI finalists, and WGI World Championship Finalists.
When he isn’t teaching or writing, Aaron performs with a variety of musicians as a freelance drummer. He resides in Plano, Texas with his wife, Ellen and his furry companions, Niko and Ollie.
Aaron is proud to endorse Innovative Percussion sticks and mallets, Ludwig drums and Musser mallet equipment.
Aaron Tucker
Audio Caption Head
Zack Whittier
Audio Staff
Mr. Whittier serves as the Director of Percussion and Lead Audio Engineer and Designer at Sandra Day O’Connor High School (Phoenix, AZ) where he has been instrumental in establishing the indoor percussion program. He played a critical role in leading that ensemble to become state medalists in their class in their inaugural year.
Outside of the scholastic setting, Zack is a lead audio engineer at The Academy Drum and Bugle Corps (Tempe, AZ; 3 years) and Flux Indoor Percussion (Casa Grande, AZ; 2 years). His previous roles in education include serving as the Front Ensemble Caption Head at Breakthrough Indoor Percussion, serving as both a Percussion and Visual staff member at Northern Arizona University, and holding various roles at several high schools throughout Arizona.
As a performer, Zack boasts an impressive resume, having been a member of The Academy Drum and Bugle Corps (2010-2012, 2012 Section Leader), Pulse Indoor Percussion (2013), and the University of Arizona “Pride of Arizona” Marching Band (2009, 2010, 2013).
Zack had the privilege to study with several esteemed instructors, including Dr. Steven Hemphill, Ian Grom, John Mapes, Glen Crosby, Sean Gordon, Homero Ceron, and Dr. Andrea Venet.
Zack’s dedication to percussion education and his ability to inspire students have earned him respect in the national percussion community. He continues to collaborate with an incredible staff and looks forward to further contributing to the world of percussion and music education.
Zack Whittier
Audio Staff
Grace Bonanno
Audio Staff
Grace Bonanno is incredibly thrilled to be joining the audio team at Academy this year. As a resident of New Jersey she attends Mason Gross School of the Arts at Rutgers University in pursuit of a degree in Music Education. Starting her marching arts journey as a strings performer in the activity, this has led her down the audio path. Now engineering and designing for high schools in the central jersey area, she has worked with ensembles such as the Raiders Drum and Bugle Corps and interned for the Marching Scarlet knights at Rutgers and the Boston Crusaders. Grace has preformed with groups such as River City Rhythm Drum and Bugle Corps and George Mason Indoor Drumline for many years. Of all of the many great aspects associated with the marching arts, Grace is most inspired by the family aspect and passion that permeates throughout the Academy. Grateful to all of her past instructors, mentors, and organizations – Grace’s ultimate goal as a team member is to help assist in the cultivation of the audio community and the overall artistry that the Academy has to offer.
Grace Bonanno
Audio Staff
Abigail Kistner
Audio Staff
Based in Fort Worth, Texas, Abigail has worked with several high schools since 2019 teaching battery and front ensemble. She currently teaches at Saginaw High School and Peaster ISD, fulfilling various percussion responsibilities—including front ensemble co-coordinator and percussion lessons. Abigail is currently completing her bachelor’s degree in Music Education at Tarleton State University.
Abigail Kistner
Audio Staff
Sofia Vine
Audio Staff
Sofia Vine
Audio Staff
Brittney Hamrick
Audio Intern
Brittney Hamrick is a percussion educator from Northeastern Ohio. She began her marching career with Cap City Percussion from 2017 through 2020. Brittney also performed with Legends DBC in 2018, the Seattle Cascades in 2019, and Phantom Regiment in 2020. Currently, Brittney teaches a few front ensembles in Northeast Ohio, including those at Avon Lake and Nordonia.
Brittney has obtained a bachelor’s degree in Healthcare Administration and works in medical billing for a telehealth company.
Brittney is enthusiastic about furthering her learning and development in the field of audio engineering. She looks forward to applying her new skills this coming summer.
Brittney Hamrick
Audio Intern
Matt Miley
Audio Intern
Matt Miley is based out of South Jersey / Philadelphia area. Matt has played bass guitar in numerous groups including United Percussion, The Bushwackers, Jersey Surf, and The Rowan University Marching Band. Additionally, Matt also helps teach with multiple high school programs in the South Jersey area.
Matt Miley
Audio Intern